The portion of builders experiencing labor shortages rose again last month. While long-term workforce development initiatives are underway, many builders have the same question: How or where can we find more laborers now? A lesser-known program from the Department of Homeland security is one option that could help temporarily boost production.

The Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will allow an additional 15,000 H-2B temporary worker visas to be issued during this fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 30. The H-2B program allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers for seasonal, non-agricultural positions. In past years, roughly half of the visas have gone to landscaping businesses.

Most young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 say the two most important benefits of a career in the construction trades are good pay (80%) and learning useful skills (74%), according to a recent poll conducted by NAHB to determine how this age group feels about a career in the construction trades.

Many markets across the nation are grappling with chronic labor shortages. At an International Builders’ Show seminar in Orlando earlier this month, Brian Hall, vice president of construction at Charlotte, N.C.-based Classica Homes, outlined four steps his firm has taken to ensure it is the “builder of choice” in its local market.